CHANCELLOR Gordon Brown is to become a father with his wife, Sarah, expected to give birth next year, it emerged yesterday.

In an announcement which reinforced New Labour's record for bringing the sound of tiny feet to the heights of government, a spokesman for the Browns said the couple were overjoyed at the prospect of starting a family.

News that Mrs Brown is expecting a child - apparently conceived around or during the General Election campaign - revived memories of how Mr Brown's neighbour, Tony Blair, had his family man image reinforced with the birth of his fourth child, Leo, in May last year.

A statement on the forthcoming happy event said: "Sarah and Gordon are delighted that they are expecting a baby, due to be born next February."

A spokesman for the couple - Mr Brown is 50 and his wife 37 - added: "As you would expect, they are absolutely delighted. Both their families are thrilled with the news."

The Prime Minister and his wife, Cherie, were among the first to offer their congratulations.

A spokeswoman for Number 10 said: "The Prime Minister and Cherie are both delighted for the Chancellor and Sarah on their news."

She said Mr Brown had informed Mr Blair of the news prior to the public announcement.

The Reverend Sheila Munro, the Church of Scotland minister for the parishes of Inverkeithing and North Queensferry, who conducted Mr Brown's wedding last year, said she was delighted.

David McLetchie, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, added his best wishes, saying: "Congratulations to Gordon and Sarah on their happy news."

And in a reference to the Chancellor's famed economic caution, he said: "I wonder what the odds are on it being called Prudence if it's a girl."